It is the only worldwide accredited diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language. The Instituto Cervantes sets the exam in cooperation with the University of Salamanca for the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.
The exam can be taken at three different levels:
First level: Nivel inicial (corresponds to B1)
Certifies the linguistic competence of the candidate to understand everyday situations linguistically and to react adequately as well as expressing basic wishes and needs. This level equals B1 according to the European Reference Framework.
Second level: Nivel intermedio (corresponds to B2)
Certifies the linguistic competence of the candidate to communicate without difficulty in everyday situations on a colloquial level without using a special terminology of the Spanish language.
Third level: Nivel superior (corresponds to C2)
Certifies the linguistic competence of the candidate to communicate in situations which require a more sophisticated level plus a good knowledge of the Spanish habits which are expressed therein.
Each exam consists of 5 tests, which are organised into three groups. To pass the exam, every candidate must pass in all three groups with at least a 70% of the maximum number of points to be reached.
The Spanish exams at a glance:
Levels
All
Inicial
Intermedio
Superior
Group I
Reading comprehension
40 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
Written expression
50 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
Group II
Grammar and vocabulary
40 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
Group III
Listening comprehension
30 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
Oral fluency
10 minutes
10 - 15 minutes
10 - 15 minutes
Candidates are free to take the exam either in Spain or in their own country. For students of the Escuela Hispalense the nearest cities where the exam can be taken are Cádiz or Málaga.
All necessary documents for the enrollment can be obtained at the reception of the Spanish language school Hispalense. Please note that the enrollment must be sent at least 5 weeks before the exam date.
The fees for 2007 in Cádiz are:
Inicial EUR. 124,-- Intermedio EUR.151,-- Superior EUR. 165,--
The information about the results of the exam is published on the internet about 3 months after the exam. Each candidate receives a password from the center, where the exam is taken, allowing him to see his results.
Corso di spagnolo standard 
What is D.E.L.E? 
